The power of a special interest

It never ceases to amaze me the effect that a special interest/something familiar can have. I was having a really wobbly weekend. My anxiety was sky high and my mood wasn't great. I couldn't concentrate on anything because my mind was going a million miles an hour. There was nothing I wanted to do and nothing on TV that remotely interested me. I decided to put a Harry Potter film on. Harry Potter has been a special interest for many years and the films can be a source of comfort. (Admittedly not always, sometimes they irritate me for being from the books). This time the impact was immediate and profound. My body instantly relaxed, my mind stopped racing so badly and I felt so much better. There was still some anxiety etc but at a far more manageable level. It amazes me that a film can have this level of impact.

Does anybody else find their special interest can help them in this way? What is your go to when you're having a bad day?

Parents Reply
  • I'm hit and miss with this. Being ADHD as well my concentration is variable. Sometimes I can get totally lost in a book and tis such a great feeling. But other times, particularly when I'm very anxious, I'm turning the pages but not reading a single word.

    I think the reason that the Harry Potter films help me is that they are so familiar to me. I know what happens. I don't have to concentrate. There seems to be something comforting in the familiarity and the fact it's something that I really love.

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